The Gujarat unit of the Congress party on Monday criticized the state government over its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and policy implementation, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for greater EV adoption.
Gujarat's Poor Rankings in EV Adoption
Party spokesperson Hiren Banker alleged that the state government has failed to create adequate infrastructure for EV growth and ensure effective implementation of its EV promotion policy. Citing a Niti Aayog report, Banker highlighted that Gujarat ranks 22nd in providing EV charging points, 27th in adoption of commercial EVs, and 16th overall in the India Electric Mobility Index.
Demands for Better Incentives
Banker demanded additional subsidies for women purchasing electric vehicles and the abolition of state GST (SGST) on EVs for the next ten years. He also noted that Gujarat's ranking in promoting EV purchase and operation is 17th, 12th in R&D in the EV sector, and 15th in adoption of private EVs.
“Gujarat is not even among the top 10 states in promoting, purchasing, and developing infrastructure for electric vehicles,” Banker said, urging the state government to take immediate corrective measures.
